Track Plan Database

[mwcohio]

Im going to completely rework my layout so I was researching the Layout database for ideas. I absolutely love some of the layouts im going to borrow from but I have one issue with them, no detail on individual track pieces. I can guess at what type of turnout it is but it would be so much easier with a more detailed plan.

[CTValleyRR]

Was there a question in there somewhere?  I sympathize though.  Perhaps they are intended only to inspire, not to be copied.

Of course, you can always invest in (or download a freebie) a computer program to help you cobble the elements together.  Any software worth its salt will spit out a materials list for you.

[cowman]

Welcome to the forums.

I think you will find that the use of flex track in many of the plans would make a list of sectional pieces difficult.  It would be nice though if they noted the turnout #, unless they said "all turnouts are ____".

Have fun,

Richard

[fwright]

mwcohio

Im going to completely rework my layout so I was researching the Layout database for ideas. I absolutely love some of the layouts im going to borrow from but I have one issue with them, no detail on individual track pieces. I can guess at what type of turnout it is but it would be so much easier with a more detailed plan.

Here are several reasons for the lack of information:

• The original article(s) where the layout plan was published may have a lot more details.  Remember, you are looking at a database listing, not the complete article(s).  The Turtle Creek Central article series had a side-bar which noted which turnouts had to be cut, and to what length.
• Many track plans (especially plans of home layouts that were built) were re-drawn by Kalmbach graphics artists to improve the appearance and quality of the original article submission.  Specific information has been lost in the double translation - if it was there in the 1st place.
• Sectional track plans are not perfect.  Careful examination of the Atlas plans (which do give sectional track lists) show that there are often angular mismatches of 2.5 degrees, and 1/4" mismatches in lengths.  This is even mentioned in the Morgan Valley layout write-up - the recommendation is to use flex track to overcome some pretty bad mismatches.  A sectional track plan will rarely build exactly as shown.
• Did the planner or builder of the sectional track plan use exactly the same spacing between rails at the track joints?  A difference in the gap size of 1/32 of an inch leads to a 1/4 inch difference 8 sections later.  And this assumes the track pieces are perfectly uniform and exactly to spec - which is not the case.  I have seen factory Lionel O27 straight track vary as much as 1/4" in length from one lot to another.  If you mix Atlas look-alike track - well sometimes it's not even close.
• Have the plans been updated to reflect as-built changes?  Atlas did to some extent, and so have MR project railroads.  But no others I know of.  In my professional world, accurate as-built drawings, even if just red-lined, are worth their weight in gold.  The original plans are practically worthless for maintenance or operations because of changes made during construction or implementation.

As suggested, re-drawing the plan with any of several track design software packages (XtrkCad and Atlas RTS are free) will give you the track list.  And will let you use the turnouts of choice rather than what the original plan designer used - assumes he didn't use a generic turnout in the design process.  And will let you modify the plan with your changes and alterations.  And will let you know if it the arrangement will fit in the space you allot with the track you intend to use.

Even with the best software and most accurate track libraries, reality on the layout will not follow the software exactly, for the reasons explained above.

my thoughts, your choices

Fred W

 

[IRONROOSTER]

Most of the plans have information such as minimum radius and turnout number.  Some of the plans have annotations on the plans as well. This will give you a start.

One thing you can do is to enlarge the plans and measure the radius on the plan and convert from the plan scale to your modeling scale.  Turnouts can be measured directly.

You could also get a roll(s) of brown paper and layout it out on the floor where your layout is going and redraw the plan full size.

Except for plans developed specifically for a particular brand of sectional track, you are probably going to have to fill some gaps with flextrack.

When you actually lay the track you will probably find that adjustments need to be made as you go.  That's why you start at the critical areas first - either lots of turnouts or close clearances. 

Good luck

Paul

 

[Fastball]

IRONROOSTER

You could also get a roll(s) of brown paper and layout it out on the floor where your layout is going and redraw the plan full size.

Paul

 

I did that.  I didn't redraw from a plan, I drew up my layout free style, but I did look at many track plans in books to get an idea what I wanted in my layout.  That is actually a great way to figure out what your layout will look like before you screw two boards together.  I also used masking tape right on the basement floor to help gain a perspective of how it would appear. 

-Paul 

[tomikawaTT]

I would wager that the vast majority of the track plans in the data base (which were usually the centerpiece article of a particular issue) were not designed for or built with sectional track.  A model railroad which is designed to prototype standards (ie., eased curves and grades) CAN"T be!

Just the incorporation of easements makes flex track or hand-laid track the only practical courses of action.

There's also the little detail that many of those plans have curves built to radii that can't be bought in sections.

The point?  Spend a little time learning how to lay flex track.  If you build a sizeable layout you will save enough to add some rolling stock to your roster.  If you then master hand-laying specialwork, the savings will probably offset the cost of an additional locomotive or several.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[galaxy]

There ARE "sectional track plans" books available, that will list the pieces of track {even including flex track if they used it} and SHOULD list the switch size/number.

They may not be accurate, though.

Here is a problem with many drawn track plans:

1} The user used and cut flex track everywhere they could, so  they are different lengths and sizes.

2} the Drawer Artist of the track plan DID NOT count the pieces when he photographed the layout and drew it. He was only htere to drawnt eh layout plan.

3} The owner doesn't even know what pieces of track he has in the layout.

4} many do NOT use 'sectional tracks" to build a layout, thinking it rather "juevenile" {see number 1 again}

Just to name a few. There are more reasons I am sure.

If you want a list of sectional track plans, go to the top right gray tool bar and click on the "shop button" OR go to the black tool bar right above and click the "shop" button on the far right of the tool bar to get to the book sections. I think "101 Sectional track plans" is still available.

GOod luck.

Oh- heres a way you can "try out the plans you have by trial-and-error:

Buy a few pieces of all sectional and flex track and copy on a copier or your flat bed scanner {including switches you think you wil use} and cut out the multiple copies you made and tape together to "layout your plan". It saves money, yet lets you find out what trackage you will need.